In this study dehiscence is defined as a wound separation including the peritoneum. The purpose is to compare dehiscence rates in vertical versus transverse abdominal wounds closed by a standardized method. By attempting to standardize wound closure technique and by indexing on punch cards details of each case, we hoped to eliminate other variants in determining whether the type of incision and/or method of closure are the major factors in the incidence of dehiscence. It seems logical that no comparison of transverse with vertical incisions could be accurately assessed unless incisions were closed by the same method and patients under consideration were comparable. Surgical literature contains numerous case reviews, most if any, of which are not thus controlled by using comparable types of cases and standard closure procedures. At least half of the data collected in this series provides what would be required for such a controlled case study, short